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The Italian government is making things easier through an app, Wi-Fi Italia, that gives tourists internet access across the country. The app, which is available on Android and iOS, gives users access to 28,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. This concept is brilliant, and while it isn't specifically tied to tourists, that is how it is being marketed, which is in itself makes perfect sense.
Who knows how fast the networks will be, but at a start, we can't complain about free. With significant coverage in tourist destinations, we can hope connectivity will be good, but can safely assume it won't be the fastest.
Over the course of the next year, coverage is going to be expanded to reach some of the less well-traveled corners of the country. The government aims ultimately to have almost complete coverage of the country.
Overall
Consistent access to the internet has become a requirement for a majority of western society. Many airlines offer Wi-Fi on board, either paid or complimentary like Norwegian. You can even get Wi-Fi for as little as $10 per month across several airlines’ planes. But the problem is always when you reach your destination and have to switch to expensive data plan or find a place with free Wi-Fi, although you can rent a mobile hotspot at several airports around the world. Hopefully other governments with a thriving tourism industry will take note of what Italy is doing and start implementing their own Wi-Fi networks. Connectivity is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity.
Source: God Save The Points
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